The Easy-to-Grow Money Tree is Also Considered Very Lucky

1. Luck factor of the Easy-to-Grow Money Tree There are two main money plants , one is the star of this page: The Jade (commonly known as the MoneyPlant) and the other is Pachira Aquatica (commonly known as the MoneyTree). Both are used strongly in Feng Shui which originates from China. The idea of which is to harmonise human existence with the surrounding environment. Plants make a perfect housewarming gift and are ideal for a new business or marriage. The money tree is symbolic of the actual jade stone. Jade is considered highly valuable, and therefore a symbol of luck, great wealth, and status. In feng-shui, these plants symbolise money and gold. Root Bridges , a Mumbai-based nursery provides online purchase of money plants and in-store options to buy money plants. What is a Money Tree? A little potted tree with an unusual braided trunk is a money tree. The trunk braid and leaves have symbolism for many people who believe that they bring good luck and financial success. But even if such considerations aren’t meaningful to you, you can still enjoy this plant for its fun and unusual trunk, lively green leaves, and relatively low-maintenance watering needs. A money tree, or Pachira aquatica, in its native habitat of Central and South American swamps, you probably wouldn’t recognize it. The tree can grow up to 60 feet tall (versus a max of 3 to 6 feet indoors), and that ubiquitous braided trunk isn’t a natural feature. When grown in a nursery, the supple young, green trunks are slowly braided by cultivators before they harden and turn woody. Money tree plant goes by a host of names, including Malabar chestnut, saba nut, Bombax glabrum, monguba and French peanut. It’s said to bring good luck and is a popular plant for using with feng shui principles. From shiny, hand-shaped leaves to braided trunks, the money tree is a can’t-miss indoor plant. It delivers lush good looks in any setting. Where to Grow? Money trees prefer bright, indirect light and moderate-to-high humidity. Direct sunlight can lead to leaf-scorching, but the plants can do relatively well in low light. Exposure to too many drafts, though, may cause leaf loss. Heater vents and hot, dry air also need to be avoided. If you can’t keep your money tree in a bright, steamy bathroom, make it a humidity- enhancing pebble tray by filling a shallow tray with small rocks, adding water to partially cover the rocks, and setting the plant on top. How to Care for a Money Tree? To avoid root rot, a money tree needs a sandy, peat-moss-based soil and a pot with good drainage. Although it likes humidity in general, you should let its soil dry out between watering. A good schedule for most environments is to water when the top 2-4 inches of soil are dry. Water thoroughly, until water flows out the drainage holes of the pot and pour out the excess from the tray so that the roots don’t sit in water.

2. During the growing season, fertilize once a month with a liquid plant food at half strength, but skip fertilizer in the winter. How to Propagate? With clean pruning shears, cut off the tip of a stem with at least two leaf nodes. Dip the cut end in hormone rooting powder, and place in a standard potting mix. Keep the soil moist with regular misting until the cutting roots, in approximately 4 weeks. Common Problems Overwatering and too much sunlight are the most common causes of problems with money plants, though they can also suffer from scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids. Bugs can be treated with a systemic insect control, or horticultural oil spray. Money Tree Bonsai This tree often comes as a group of five trees braided or twisted together. To maintain the shape, or to guide the trunks into a braid yourself, wrap some sturdy string around the tops of the trunks to bind them together tightly as they grow. Please visit Root Bridges to get more information on money tree and various types of money tree to grow at home.